Minor Basilica of the Santo Niño Postcards

Basílica Minore del Santo Niño, also called Basilica del Santo Niño and formerly known as the San Agustin Church, is a 16th century church in the heart of Cebu City. It is purportedly built on the exact spot where the image of the Santo Niño, a sculpture depicting Jesus as a black Holy Child, was found by Spanish conquistadors in 1565 preserved in a burned wooden box which was left behind during the 1521 Magellan expedition.

Basilica del Santo Niño Postcard 1

The church of Santo Niño de Cebu was founded by an Augustinian priest, Andrés de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565. The first church structure was built out of earth, hard wood and nipa in 1566 ordered by Fr. Diego de Herrera. In 1735, Fernando Valdés y Tamon, the Governor of Cebu, ordered the church to be constructed of hard stone. Construction was completed in 1739. In 1965, during the fourth centenary of the Christianization of the Philippines, Pope Paul VI elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica.

Basilica del Santo Niño Postcard 2

The stones were quarried from Capiz and Panay by an army of bancas. The molave wood came from the mountains of Talisay and Pitalo and was transported in bancas hired in Argao and Carcar. He used white stones to make the lime, with one banca transporting some 400 pieces of stones.

Basilica del Santo Niño Altar Postcard

The façade of the basilica is a blending of Muslim, Romanesque and neo-classical features. The façade is preserved in its original stone texture and natural color. The bell tower has two blind and open windows alternating in shape, ending up in triangular pinnacles with a circular disc crowned by balusters and a bulbous dome of Muslim influence. The arched main entrance is balanced by the side rectangular corners. A double-edged triangular pediment crowns the facade.

Basilica del Santo Niño Postcard 3

Basilica del Santo Niño Postcard 4

SOURCES:
Basilica of Santo Niño Wikipedia Entry
Basilica of Santo Niño Homepage